“Distressing” social media posts during election campaign to be referred to FIA

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Govt. has decided to refer all distressing social media posts that are disrespecting or hurtful to some people to the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing.

In this regard; the Punjab Home Department had been directed to refer reports received from divisional and district authorities about distressing social media posts that may cause uncertainty in coordination with FIA.

According to some sources, it was decided to send such cases and other relevant issues regarding general elections in detail to the FIA that was taken in a top level meeting on law and order.

Recently, the meeting was chaired by the chief minister of Punjab and attended by the chief secretary, additional chief secretary and inspector general of police, Punjab.

It was highlighted that an effective coordination between law enforcement and intelligence agencies is necessary for sharing information on time and taking preemptive measures for avoiding any inconvenient incidents.

Chief Minister has ordered all departments to coordinate and interact with one another at divisional and district levels, conduct scheduled meetings on regular basis and ensure effective planning and coordination among all for smooth intendance of the general election.
A senior FIA official has told that the agency has decided to look after election campaign on social media and will take strict actions against those uploading any inappropriate and distressing social media post. Adding that agency has not received any complaint from any political leader about containing distressing social media posts about them or their party.

Chief Minister has ordered to arrange media management strategies so that such violence is not promoted and maximum remedial measures are observed during reporting to let down further exaggeration of such situations.

According to sources, the minister of information and secretary information are advised to ensure the code of conduct during the election campaign after coordinating with all concerned.